Arrive at King Khalid International Airport and complete immigration and baggage formalities; arrange a private transfer or hotel shuttle to your chosen family-friendly hotel (consider The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh or Four Seasons Riyadh for spacious family rooms). Once checked in, take a slow walk around the hotel grounds to stretch after the flight and enjoy a light breakfast or Arabic coffee and dates at the hotel café while getting oriented to Riyadh's time zone and climate.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the nearby Al Faisaliyah or Kingdom Centre neighborhood — head up to a mid-afternoon café in Kingdom Centre for views and a chance to buy a local SIM card or essentials; younger family members can enjoy the hotel pool or a short visit to Wadi Hanifah for fresh air and simple sightseeing. If energy allows, pop into a nearby mall like Riyadh Park for grocery stops, souvenirs, or an early dinner reservation to sample local dishes such as kabsa or mezze.
For an easy first evening, enjoy a family dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant with Arabic and international options, then take a gentle evening stroll around the illuminated Kingdom Centre or Al Olaya boulevard to see Riyadh's skyline. Return to the hotel to unpack fully and get a good night's rest so everyone is refreshed for tomorrow's fuller sightseeing at the National Museum and Masmak Fort.
Start the day at the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre and explore the National Museum of Saudi Arabia—wander through immersive galleries on Arabian prehistory, the rise of Islam, and the modern Saudi state, which are well-suited to curious kids and adults alike. After the museum, take a short drive to the nearby Masmak Fort in the historic Al-Dirah district to climb its ramparts, see the restored courtyard, and hear stories of Riyadh’s unification.
Stroll from Masmak into the bustling Souq Al Zal and Al-Thumairi Street for a lively afternoon of bargaining for spices, textiles, and traditional souvenirs; stop at a local teahouse for karak tea and sweet pastries. If the family needs a break, detour to the nearby Deera Square area for street scenes and photo stops, or return to the hotel for a quick rest before evening activities.
As sunset approaches, head to the modern Al Masmak Park area or book a family-friendly dinner at Najd Village to sample authentic Najdi cuisine in a traditional setting. Finish with a relaxed walk along Al Olaya or a visit to Kingdom Centre’s Sky Bridge for panoramic night views of Riyadh’s skyline before returning to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s modern-city highlights.
After a restful night, head to Kingdom Centre where you can start with a relaxed breakfast at The Globe or one of the mall cafés, then take the elevator up to the Sky Bridge for sweeping morning views of Riyadh’s skyline and the distant desert—great for family photos and orientation. Spend a little time browsing the mall’s shops for souvenirs or a SIM/data top-up before driving a short distance to Al Faisaliyah Tower for a quick look at its observation level and the distinctive glass ball.
For a family-friendly afternoon, visit Riyadh Park Mall where kids can enjoy the indoor play areas and families can choose from an international food court or sit-down restaurants; the mall often has seasonal pop-ups and events that add local color. If you prefer outdoor time, stroll through Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Park adjacent to the mall for shaded paths and a chance for the children to run off energy before returning to the hotel for a short rest.
As evening falls, book a table at one of Al Olaya’s family-friendly restaurants—consider Al Nakheel or a rooftop spot in Kingdom Centre for dinner with illuminated city views—and time it so you can catch the city lights from the Sky Bridge again at night. Finish with a gentle drive along Tahlia Street to admire the boutiques and cafés, keeping the pace easy to prepare everyone for travel to AlUla the next day.
Catch an early domestic flight from Riyadh to AlUla (book Saudia or flyadeal) and arrange a private transfer from AlUla Airport to your hotel — consider family-friendly options like Ashar Resort or Shaden Resort for spacious rooms and easy access to sites. After check-in, unpack and enjoy a leisurely brunch at the hotel or the nearby AlUla Oasis café, taking time to acclimatize and admire the surrounding sandstone formations that mark the start of your desert adventure.
Spend the afternoon on a relaxed orientation drive with a local guide through AlUla Oasis and the Old Town, stopping to wander the mud-brick alleyways and visit the AlUla Heritage Village museum for an introduction to the area’s Nabataean and Dadanite history. If the family has energy, take a short, gentle walk to see nearby rock art panels or visit the Maraya rehearsal centre (exterior) and the scenic vantage points above the oasis for first dramatic views of the region’s monumental cliffs.
As the sun lowers, enjoy an early dinner at your hotel or at Badr Al-Jabal restaurant to sample regional dishes like mandi and grilled meats, then head to a nearby viewpoint (such as Hijaz Mountain overlook) for a family-friendly sunset over layered red rock formations. Return to the resort for stargazing — AlUla’s clear desert skies make for an unforgettable night, perfect for winding down and preparing for tomorrow’s full-day exploration of Hegra.
After an early hotel breakfast, meet your licensed local guide and transfer to Hegra (Madain Saleh) for a morning exploring Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site; walk among monumental Nabataean tomb facades such as Qasr al-Farid and learn about the inscriptions, water engineering and trade-route history that made this oasis city thrive. The relatively cool morning hours are perfect for a guided trail past carved tombs and the Visitor Centre, where kids can try the interactive displays and everyone can enjoy panoramic photos of the rock-cut architecture.
Spend a relaxed afternoon continuing through Hegra’s broader archaeological landscape—visit the well-preserved residential ruins, the Corinthian-style facades and the nearby wells—then return toward AlUla town with a stop at the Old Town for a light lunch at a café like AlUla Garden Café and a short stroll through the mud-brick alleys to see traditional architecture up close. If time allows, detour to the nearby AlUla Museum or a short hike to a scenic viewpoint for sweeping views over the valley before heading back to your resort to rest and freshen up.
As daylight wanes, drive to Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) and time your visit to arrive before sunset so the family can scramble onto the viewing platforms and watch the sandstone glow in warm late-afternoon light—a spectacular photo moment as the formation’s silhouette emerges against the sky. After sunset, enjoy a casual al-fresco dinner at your resort or a nearby desert dining experience, then relax under the stars with a short guided stargazing talk to cap a day of archaeology and dramatic landscapes.
After breakfast, meet your licensed guide and drive to the ancient capital of Dadan to explore its cliff-top tombs and the impressive Dadanite lion and camel reliefs; wander the archaeological terraces and learn about the kingdom that predated the Nabataeans while kids enjoy spotting carved inscriptions. Continue a short drive to Jabal Ikmah, where the family can stroll among open-air rock inscriptions and petroglyph panels—bring a guidebook or audio guide to decode the ancient scripts and capture memorable photos among the shaded alcoves.
Return toward AlUla Oasis for a relaxed lunch at AlUla Garden Café or a local eatery in the Old Town, then visit the AlUla Heritage Village for hands-on cultural experiences such as pottery demonstrations or a date-tasting session that introduce local crafts and flavors. If time permits, stop at the Maraya Amphitheatre area to view the mirrored concert hall’s exterior and take a short hike to nearby viewpoints that reveal the layered cliffs and farming terraces below.
As the sun softens, join a family-friendly cultural program or private town-hall session (often arranged through your hotel or a local operator) featuring traditional music, storytelling and a simple cooking demo of regional dishes like mandi or saleeg to deepen your connection with local life. Finish the day with an easy sunset walk around the oasis palms and a relaxed dinner at your resort, then enjoy star-filled skies and a quiet conversation about the day’s discoveries before turning in for the next leg of your journey.
Pack up after breakfast and transfer to AlUla Airport for a short domestic flight to Dubai (book an early flight with Saudia or flyadeal); upon arrival at Dubai International, clear immigration and take a private transfer or taxi to your family-friendly hotel in Dubai Marina or JBR (consider Address Dubai Marina or Atlantis The Palm for easy access). Check in, drop bags, freshen up, and if time allows stroll the Marina promenade to admire the yachts and grab a light lunch or coffee at Pier 7's family-friendly cafés before a brief rest.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Dubai Marina and JBR — take the tram or a rented abra along the water, visit The Beach at JBR for playgrounds and the splash pad for kids, or hop on a short sightseeing boat cruise for skyline photos and a welcome-to-Dubai orientation. If the family prefers shopping and indoor comfort, pop into Dubai Marina Mall for snacks and shops, or return to the hotel for downtime and pool time so everyone is recharged for the evening.
As dusk falls, head back to the Marina promenade for an early evening stroll and choose a waterfront dinner at one of Pier 7’s restaurants or a family-friendly spot like The Cheesecake Factory with views of the lit skyline; afterwards take a Dubai Marina Yacht or dhow cruise (many offer dinner options) to see the towers reflected on the water and enjoy a relaxed nightcap. Return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep — tomorrow brings Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa experience.
Begin the day with a short transfer to Downtown Dubai and head straight to the Burj Khalifa — pre-book 'At The Top' tickets for early access to levels 124/125 (or Level 148 if splurging) so the family can enjoy sweeping morning views before the crowds arrive and take memorable photos of the skyline and Dubai Fountain below. After descending, stop for a leisurely breakfast at Atmosphere Lounge (if visiting Level 122-125) or at one of the Dubai Mall cafés, giving kids a chance to refuel and stretch before exploring the mall.
Spend the afternoon exploring Dubai Mall’s highlights: visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or the VR Park for kid-friendly thrills, wander through the Souk Al Bahar bridge for boutiques and coffee, and allow time for an ice-skating session or shopping in the family-friendly stores. For lunch, choose one of the mall’s many family restaurants—The Cheesecake Factory or Ravi Restaurant for casual options—or enjoy waterfront dining at Souk Al Bahar with views of the Burj and fountain basin.
Return to the Dubai Fountain promenade as dusk falls to watch the family-friendly fountain shows choreographed to music and light; time your seating at the lower terraces or book a short dhow/fountain cruise for a front-row view and added magic for children. Finish with a relaxed dinner at one of Downtown’s restaurants (for example, Eataly or Serafina) and a final night-time stroll beneath the illuminated Burj Khalifa before heading back to your Dubai Marina hotel to rest for the next adventure.
After a relaxed hotel breakfast, meet your private 4x4 driver or join a family-friendly tour operator at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Lahbab (Red Sand) for an easy morning introduction to the dunes — enjoy a short wildlife/biodiversity drive where guides point out oryx, gazelles and native plants and explain desert ecology, then stop for photos on a scenic dune crest. The gentle tempo gives children time to acclimatise to the desert environment before the afternoon’s more active adventures.
Return to your hotel for a light lunch and a swim to rest up, or opt for a mid-afternoon camel-ride experience and falconry demonstration arranged with your safari operator at a desert camp near Al Marmoom for a hands-on cultural touch; kids love meeting the camels and watching the trained bird fly. As late afternoon approaches, head back into the dunes for an adrenaline-tinged red-sand dune bashing session in a safety-equipped Land Cruiser followed by a photo stop to watch the shifting light on the sands.
As the sun sets, settle into a family-friendly desert camp (many near Dubai offer private tents) for a cultural evening of henna art, traditional music and simple Emirati performances; savour a barbecue or buffet dinner featuring mandi, grilled meats and mezze, and let the children try Arabic coffee or dates while storytellers or tanoura dancers entertain. Cap the night with stargazing under the clear desert sky and a relaxed transfer back to Dubai Marina, ready for tomorrow’s family theme-park fun.
Begin the day on Palm Jumeirah at Atlantis, The Palm with a family breakfast at Saffron or Plaj, then head straight to Aquaventure Waterpark to claim lockers and enjoy kid-friendly rides like Splashers Island and the lazy river while thrill-seekers test the Leap of Faith slide. Alternatively, if the family prefers theme-park action, catch an early transfer to IMG Worlds of Adventure to explore Cartoon Network and Marvel zones — grab a Fast Track pass for popular rides to minimise waits and maximise fun.
After a waterslide or coaster-packed morning, refuel with a casual lunch at Wavehouse (Atlantis) or at The Lost Chambers’ café for sea-life views, then spend a relaxed afternoon snorkeling in the Aquaventure lagoons or visiting The Lost Chambers Aquarium to see rays and tropical fish up close. If at IMG, split the group between family-friendly attractions (Dinosaur Adventure, Haunted Hotel) and meet-and-greets, then regroup for slower activities like mini-golf at The Pointe or a stroll along the Palm boardwalk to enjoy skyline views and an ice-cream stop.
As the sun sets, choose a waterfront family dinner — try Bread Street Kitchen & Bar or Ronda Locatelli at The Pointe for kid-friendly menus with views across the Atlantis skyline — then watch the Palm’s evening lights from the promenade. If everyone still has energy, end the night with a gentle boat cruise around the crescent for illuminated views of the Dubai skyline or return to the hotel for pool time and an early night to recharge for Old Dubai and the Gold Souk tomorrow.
Start the day with a short abra ride across Dubai Creek to the atmospheric Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and enjoy a guided stroll through the wind-tower lanes, visiting the Coffee Museum and the XVA Art Hotel courtyard for hands-on crafts and photo moments that bring the city’s trading past to life. Pop into the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a family-friendly morning talk or a light Emirati breakfast to deepen context before continuing to the nearby Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort for interactive exhibits about traditional life.
After lunch at the charming Arabian Tea House, head back across the creek to Deira to wander the glittering alleys of the Gold Souk and the adjacent Spice Souk — let older kids practice bargaining while admiring intricate jewellery displays and inhaling the heady scents of saffron, dried limes and frankincense. Pause for a cooling stop at a local karak tea stall or the perfumery shops on Baniyas Street, then take a short dhow cruise along the Creek for a relaxed viewpoint of both historic and modern Dubai as you return toward the hotel.
For your last evening in the city, book a family-friendly dinner at Al Fanar or a waterfront restaurant in Creekside Park to sample Emirati classics in a nostalgic setting, then enjoy a gentle stroll along the illuminated creek promenade to watch traditional dhows and the skyline lights. If the group still has energy, finish with a visit to the Textile Souk for last-minute souvenirs or a final rooftop view of the city — a calm, evocative close to your UAE leg before tomorrow’s departure.
Wake gently and enjoy a final hotel buffet or room service breakfast in Dubai Marina, then check and pack suitcases with a quick inventory of passports and flight documents. If time allows, pop into Dubai Marina Mall or The Beach at JBR for last-minute gifts, snacks and a final coffee by the water—grab duty-free-friendly items like dates, Arabic sweets or a small oud perfume as keepsakes.
After checking out, store luggage with the hotel concierge and head to last-minute shopping in Downtown Dubai or Mall of the Emirates depending on flight timing; stroll through Souk Al Bahar for artisan souvenirs or pick up compact electronics and travel essentials at Dubai Mall’s tech stores. Enjoy a relaxed lunch with Burj Khalifa views (Eataly or Souk Al Bahar cafés are convenient), then return to the hotel to collect bags and complete any final payments.
Arrange a pre-booked private transfer to Dubai International Airport allowing generous time for check-in and immigration—consider leaving the city 3-4 hours before departure for international flights given New Year travel volumes. If schedules permit, relax at an airport lounge for light refreshments and a final family debrief before boarding; otherwise, enjoy a final group photo near the gate and settle in for your flight home, carrying memories of Riyadh, AlUla and Dubai into the new year.